1. Engineering Problem Solving Teachers in the STEM Workplace

2. What is it? Scientists use the Scientific Method
Ask/answer questions
Make observations / do experiments in a repeatable fashion
Engineers use a problem-solving cycle
Solve specific tangible problems
Engineers professional life is devoted to the creative solution of problems (UConn School of Engineering)

3. Engineering Problem-Solving Cycle

4. Engineering Problem Solving
State the problem
Redefine the problem
Identify scope / boundaries
Identify constraints / set general specs
Brainstorm
Analyze possible solutions
Identify most viable solution
Execute chosen solution
Wash, rinse, repeat if necessary

5. The Problem Problem Statement:
Build a tower structure using marshmallows and spaghetti

6. Redefine The Problem Redefine the problem
The team that builds the tallest tower using only marshmallows and spaghetti will win <TBD>

7. Constraints and Specifications
The spaghetti is uncooked
The marshmallows are full sized
Constraints
The base of the tower must fit within a 3x5 inch Post-it note
The tower cannot contain more than 5 total marshmallows
The tower must be completed in 25 minutes

8. Brainstorming
Iterating on models -